Girls basketball: Washington focuses on the positives

Published 3:13 pm, Tuesday, February 5, 2013

There will be no trip to the Class 3A playoffs for the Washington girls basketball team this year.

Entering the final two games of the regular season, the Eagles were in the middle of the pack in District 23-3A at 6-6, trailing foes Yates, Worthing, Sterling and Kashmere.

With only three teams advancing to the postseason, new Washington head coach Jasmin Roland knew the odds were stacked against the Eagles.

"We had a chance until we had two back-to-back losses (to Kashmere and Yates)," Roland said. "That pretty much ended it."

But Roland, a first-time head coach and former assistant at Washington from 2003-07, took it in stride.

"We have a very young team," Roland said. "I am looking forward to their growth in the coming years. Once we find our center and confidence, we will be a force to be reckoned with."

The Eagles often struggled with inconsistency, in Roland's opinion. Last week's 69-23 rout against District 23-3A leader Yates was a perfect example.

"It was a bit of challenge at times," Roland said. "They were getting accustomed to my playing style. It took a while to get going."

However, Roland firmly believes Washington will be a force in District 23-3A next season.

The Eagles graduate only two seniors – Victoria Sanders and Dominique Brown. The 5-foot-6 Sanders was a part-time starter at point guard, while the 5-10 Brown was a standout post who averaged 12 points and seven rebounds.

"Victoria was a major contributor," Roland said. "Dominique is really strong. When she was on, she could be unstoppable."

But the immediate future is promising, with several starters returning to the mix.

Cameron Lavergne, a 5-8 freshman, is a proven playmaker at guard. Lavergne delivered seven points, although she had several double-figure performances.

"Cameron is an all-round athlete," Roland said. "I'm looking forward to her coming back and being a leader next season."

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Washington file

Near miss: The Washington girls basketball team improved in Jasmin Roland's first season as head coach. However, the Eagle finished in the middle of the pack in District 23-3A, barely missing a berth in the Class 3A playoffs.

Tough to replace: Washington will graduate only two seniors, but none was more important than Dominique Brown. The 5-foot-10 post led the Eagles, averaging 12 points and seven rebounds.

Also returning to the backcourt is 5-7 junior La'Shavette Perry, who split time with Sanders at the point, and 5-8 freshman Lya Smither, who contributed late in the season.

"La'Shavette has great potential. I'm hoping she finds her confidence and believes in herself as much as the coaching staff believes in her," Roland said. "Lya really came on in the second half of district and put up some key 3-point shots."

Washington also has high hopes for 5-10 junior Arelyn Williams, a versatile forward/post who tallied 10 points per game.

"Arelyn has a lot of potential," Roland said. "She's a scorer and outstanding rebounder. If she continues to improve, she'll be one of the top players in the district."